Name: Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ tablespoon avocado oil; 1 pound ground beef (preferably grass-fed); 1 medium onion, chopped fine (or 2 small); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 4 cups marinara sauce; 16 ounces spaghetti (gluten-free or regular); 8 ounces ricotta cheese; 12 ounces mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, cozy meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe is an absolute gem. It brings together tender spaghetti noodles, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara sauce baked to bubbly perfection—a true Italian-inspired classic that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress. Every bite wraps you in a warm hug of cheesy goodness and satisfying textures, making it a perfect family favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a white pan filled with thick, chunky red meat sauce mixed with small pieces of browned meat and bits of onions, speckled with fresh green herb bits on top. The sauce has a glossy, textured look with a mix of tomato and meat colors, and it covers most of the pan's white bottom except a small circle where the sauce has been stirred aside. A wooden spoon with a forked end is resting inside the pan, partially submerged in the sauce with its handle leaning out over the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and a striped cloth is partly visible at the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the hearty ground beef adding depth to the creamy ricotta that balances richness, all coming together with sweet and tangy marinara and al dente spaghetti noodles for a deliciously textured bake.

Avocado oil (½ tablespoon): A light, healthy oil perfect for sautéing ground beef without overwhelming flavors.
Ground beef (1 pound): Grass-fed if possible for richer taste and better nutrition, it’s the savory base of this recipe.
Onion (1 medium, chopped fine): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked with the beef.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the meat sauce with that classic, irresistible Italian flavor.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that elevates the sauce with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Marinara sauce (4 cups): Use a quality jarred sauce or homemade for vibrant tomato flavor and perfect moisture.
Spaghetti (16 ounces): Gluten-free works wonderfully here, but traditional spaghetti noodles make this comforting dish just as delightful.
Ricotta cheese (8 ounces): Creamy and mild, it makes the pasta luscious and keeps every bite soft and comforting.
Mozzarella cheese (12 ounces): Melts beautifully, providing that golden, bubbly top that’s pure comfort food bliss.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and hot.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

Heat the avocado oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, letting it brown nicely. Once the beef starts to get that lovely golden color and smaller crumbles, it’s time to add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, cooking everything together until the meat is fully browned and the onions soften, about 7 to 8 minutes. This mixture forms the hearty backbone of your sauce.

Step 3: Add Marinara Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring everything to combine. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. This step gives the sauce a warm, comforting richness that perfectly complements the ground beef.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

While your sauce simmers, boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and return them to the hot pot, tossing them immediately with the ricotta cheese. The residual heat will soften the ricotta and coat each strand of pasta in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grab a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish and start by spooning a bit of the meat sauce into the bottom—this prevents sticking and adds flavor from the first bite. Layer half of the ricotta-coated noodles on top, then spread half of the remaining meat sauce over, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat those layers, finishing off with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese to create a luscious, melty top crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the assembled dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until everything is hot, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese has melted into a golden, inviting crust. Let it sit a few minutes before serving to settle and make slicing easier.

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe

A white bowl filled with spaghetti layered with a rich tomato sauce mixed with minced meat and melted cheese. The top layer shows finely grated white cheese and chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly over the spaghetti. A woman's hand holds a fork lifting a small serving of the spaghetti, showing the tangled noodles coated in sauce along with bits of meat and herbs. In the background, a white baking dish contains more of the same spaghetti dish. The bowl is placed on a red and white checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top add a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a delightful extra cheesy kick just before serving.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also complement the meal perfectly, inviting you to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings or turning this dish into a family-style feast by placing the baked spaghetti in the center and letting everyone serve themselves. Garnishing each portion with a dollop of ricotta cheese adds an extra creamy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Stored properly, it should stay good for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

This baked spaghetti freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months, which makes it ideal for meal prep or easy dinners on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly, about 20 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway, but oven reheating preserves the comforting baked texture best.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Absolutely! While ricotta offers creamy texture and mildness, you can substitute cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and mozzarella for a slightly different but equally delicious result.

Is gluten-free spaghetti suitable for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free spaghetti works perfectly well and allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this comforting dish without missing out on flavor or texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Add extra seasoning to maintain robust flavor in your meatless variation.

How do I prevent the baked spaghetti from drying out?

Make sure to include plenty of sauce when layering and cover the casserole with foil during the initial baking time if you want to keep it extra moist. Also, tossing the noodles with ricotta adds moisture inside the bake.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead or even the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day, combining rich flavors and comforting textures in every forkful. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but also special enough to serve guests. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple on your dinner table.